Cordillera Huayhuash Mini Trek with Climbing Ishinca

Want to enjoy the spectacular hiking in the Cordillera Huayhuash but also the thrill & challenge of attempting to climb a Cordillera Blanca snow peak?

Laguna Jahuacocha – Huayhuash Trek Ishinca Summit

For those who do not have time for a longer expedition we combine a short trek through some of the most beautiful passes and campsites in the Huayhuash, followed by a three day climb of the beginner suitable Ishinca in the Cordillera Blanca mountain ranges.

The trek & climb combination allows you to experience the grandeur of both mountain ranges – the Cordillera Huayhuash and the Cordillera Blanca.

Timing: 10 days Trek & Climb (plus rest day in Huaraz)

The Trek:
7 days
Grade: moderate trekking

Our Mini Huayhuash trek is a special trek for people who do have not sufficient time to hike the complete circuit of 12 to 15 days. We have designed the trekking route to include the most breathtaking sectors of the Cordillera Huayhuash with campsites by the most beautiful lakes and with impressive views of the largest mountains in the range, including the second highest peak in Peru – Yerupaja, the famous Siula Grande and many more. The trek features a visit to the substantial Inca ruins at Huanuco Viejo.

Previous experience on snow and ice is not necessary to climb Ishinca, we will provide some basic instruction in the base camp and support during the climb, but you do need to be strong to undertake the climb. There are sometimes some short sections of steep ice to negotiate which the guide will help you with. Although we grade the climb Moderate and as being suitable for beginner climbers, the high altitude does make the climbing physically demanding. However following your Huayhuash trek you should be well acclimatised and can look forward to enjoying the climb

Day 1: Drive 6 hours from Huaraz to Huanuco Pampa 3736m. Afternoon visit to the Inca Ruins of Huanuco Viejo.

Day 2: Drive for 3 to 4 hours from Huanuco Viejo to Queropalca village 3800m. Then an easy 3 hour hike through pasture and farmland to Lake Laguna Carhuacocha 4150m where we have our first views of the spectacular Huayhuash mountains.

Day 3: We spend an extra day at spectacular Carhuacocha. Hike up to visit the three lakes of Siula Grande. Maybe you can try trout fishing!

Siula Lakes

Day 4: Climb to cross the first Pass Paso de Carhuac 4650m and camp at another lake Laguna Mitucocha 4250m 5 hours.

Day 5: Becoming well acclimatised now, we cross another Pass Punta Cacanan 4700m and camp in the grassy camp in Rondoy Valley 4350m. 5 hours.

Day 6: A demanding day as we cross the highest pass Rondoy Pass 4750m, traverse past the lake Solteracocha and then to beautiful Laguna Jahuacocha to our camp at the head of the lake (4150m). 5 to 6 hours .

Rondoy Pass

Day 7: The final pass Pampa Llamac 4500m and a long descent to Llamac. 5½ hours. Return to Huaraz in our private van

Day 8: Rest day in Huaraz & prepare for climbing

Day 9: Drive 1½ hours from Huaraz to the village of either Pashpa or Collon (3400m). We then walk up the valley Quebrada Ishinca on a gently rising path to our camp at the head of the valley. 4 to 5 hours

Day 10: Climb Ishinca. A steady climb initially on a good path and then on loose rock and large moraine rock until we reach the ice. The climb is usually not very steep apart from the final 20 metres to the summit. In some years depending on the condition of the glacier there can be some short steep sections or hard ice but the guide will help you with this. Return the same way to Base Camp. 9 to 12 hours depending on fitness.

If you know, tell us the approximate dates that you would like to be trekking & climbing and the number of people in your group, as well as if you prefer a private trek or climb or would be happy to join with other people.